Wizz Air UK has received official regulatory approval to operate flights between the United Kingdom and the United States. The airline confirmed that the authorisation allows it to organise charter flights, particularly ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. These flights are expected to transport European football teams, supporters, and organised travel groups to the tournament. The decision marks an important step for the airline after months of preparation and coordination with regulators.
The airline has clarified that it will not launch regular commercial routes across the Atlantic. Instead, the focus will be on tailored charter operations designed for specific groups. Instead, services will focus on tailored charter operations for specific groups, including national teams, their staff, and fans following the tournament. Tour operators organising group travel to the United States may also make use of these services.
According to the airline, there is already strong interest expected from teams participating in the tournament. Charter packages will be designed to provide flexible travel options for large groups crossing the Atlantic. “Receiving approval to operate between the United Kingdom and the United States is a huge milestone for our company and opens the door to new opportunities for European football teams and supporters travelling this summer,” said Yvonne Moynihan, managing director of Wizz Air UK. Charter enquiries for summer travel are already open.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to generate enormous travel demand. The tournament will take place across the United States, Canada and Mexico between June and July 2026. Football’s global governing body, FIFA, expects millions of international visitors to attend the competition. Fans from more than 200 countries have already purchased tickets for the event.
In response to the expected surge in visitors, the United States has introduced a fast-track visa appointment system for World Cup travellers. The programme allows fans with match tickets to obtain visa appointments more quickly than usual. Additional consular staff have also been deployed to handle the increased number of applications. However, officials have warned that holding a ticket for a match does not guarantee entry into the country.
Travellers must still go through the standard visa screening procedures as other visitors. Some countries face longer waiting times for visa appointments, while others are subject to stricter entry rules. Previous travel restrictions affecting certain nationalities have raised concerns about whether all fans will be able to attend the tournament. While athletes and team staff are expected to receive special consideration, supporters may face more complex travel processes.
Airlines worldwide are already adjusting their networks in response to anticipated demand. For example, Royal Air Maroc has announced a new nonstop route between Los Angeles and Casablanca starting in June 2026. The route will become the first direct air connection between the US West Coast and Africa. The airline expects the new service to attract tourists, business travellers and football supporters travelling between continents.
Los Angeles will be one of the host cities during the tournament, and matches are scheduled to take place at SoFi Stadium. The new route is expected to reduce travel time significantly for passengers flying between Africa and the US Pacific Coast. Until now, travellers on this route usually had to make a stop in Europe or on the US East Coast. The launch reflects a wider trend in aviation as airlines prepare for the global movement of fans during the 2026 World Cup.
